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definitions

utilitarian

[ yoo-til-i-tair-ee-uhn ]
/ yuˌtɪl ɪˈtɛər i ən /
|

adjective

pertaining to or consisting in utility.
having regard to utility or usefulness rather than beauty, ornamentation, etc.
of, relating to, or adhering to the doctrine of utilitarianism.

noun

an adherent of utilitarianism.

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Nearby words

utile dulci, utilicare, utilidor, utilisation, utilise, non-utilitarian, utilitarianism, utility, utility function, utility man, utility player

Origin of utilitarian

First recorded in 1775–85; utilit(y) + -arian
SYNONYMS FOR utilitarian
2 practical, useful, functional, sensible.
Related formsan·ti·u·til·i·tar·i·an, adjective, nounnon·u·til·i·tar·i·an, adjective, nounun·u·til·i·tar·i·an, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for non-utilitarian

utilitarian

/ (juːˌtɪlɪˈtɛərɪən) /

adjective

of or relating to utilitarianism
designed for use rather than beauty

noun

a person who believes in utilitarianism
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for non-utilitarian

utilitarian

1781, coined by Jeremy Bentham (1748-1832) from utility. One guided by the doctrine of the greatest happiness for the greatest number.

Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper